What Our Clients Are Saying

Sarah S

Andy has coached me from: I don’t know if I can do this’ to ‘Yep, I can…’

I bought my first road bike in 2019 to take part in a charity ride. I was the most reluctant and least experienced in our team of 4 but I struggled through the 4 day challenge, actually enjoyed it and realised if I worked at cycling I could get better. So I carried on…

For the next 2 years the cycling continued, my confidence grew, I upgraded the bike and was doing an average 14-15mph riding mostly in the summer months. The friends who I started out with in 2019 convinced me we should look for a much bigger challenge so in spring 2023 we signed up to do the N2 Portugal - 500miles+ over 5 days which we start on September 10th this year.

I was keen but terrified and knew I had a big gap to bridge. This was where Andy came in. I had the basics but I needed to build my endurance, stamina and also my self-belief. Andy has coached me for over a year now.

His training plans are thorough, bespoke and realistic. He knows I’m always busy, so he built a plan that would fit around my home and work life. It’s a weekly mix of sessions on Zwift and on the road - with gradual build towards September.

When riding together, he’s given me loads of advice and guidance and taught me so much about the way I ride, my posture, cadence, bike handling, group riding, conserving energy, hill climbing, understanding FTP, road awareness etc - all these things have helped me make gradual improvements and have made me far more confident.

He has an open and logical coaching style. For me, Andy’s made road cycling accessible and possible. He’s gradually built my self belief and shown me it’s about learning the craft through time in the saddle, versus ‘high-end gear and no idea.’ He always has time to listen, to talk through the things I find difficult and he helps me to see how far I have come, rather than focussing on how far I still need to go.

He balances the affirmation with the right amount of pressure - with only 8 weeks to go to Portugal, my training plan is on the final build and Andy has made it clear, I HAVE to put the hours in for the challenge to be do-able and enjoyable.

I know I wouldn’t have made the improvements I’ve made this year without being coached by Andy. He won’t be with me in Portugal but he’ll be in my head on those tough climbs! And when the challenge is over we’ll also stay friends because he’s an all round good guy!

Thomas S

After years of cycling bike paths as a lazy afternoon pastime or using the bike as a way to avoid traffic jams for short runs to the shops, I took up cycling in 2015 when I signed up for a work organised, charity cycle. A four day 260 mile trip from London to Paris with 30 colleagues. Pretty daunting for someone who have never cycled more than 20 miles at one time prior to that. However, all went well and the fun I had during the event made all the preparation worthwhile. 

Once completed I had the bug! I joined my local club, picked some events and went out when I could. 2016, 2017 and 2018 all had some great days out. I enjoyed group spins and sportives but I just felt I wasn't getting the results or fitness levels I was sure I could, given the amount of time I spent on my bike.

I wanted to step up to a longer sportive, the Wicklow 200km which is pretty much on my doorstep. I was afraid as I had completed the 100km version of the event which is half the distance but only 1/3 the climbing.

Luckily I knew Andy from work and was able to work with him to come up with a plan that suited my needs.  It was tailored to my experience and requirements.  While I already knew Andy, we were not able to meet face to face but I got to spend time on the phone and have very regular email exchanges where he reviewed my progress, either Strava or Wattbike sessions and tweaked my schedule accordingly.

Andy provided a well designed training plan, support, a sounding board and was a font of knowledge and experience. Just being accountable to him improved my consistency re my training schedule and my effort during FTP tests etc...a real boost to my motivation. 

Overall I know my performance improved significantly without spending more time on the bike, ergo more effective training! Come my day of reckoning I crossed the finish line pretty sore and tired but ultimately very happy.

Angus L

Having taken part in a few events in the past (C2C, L'Etape du Tour, Mallorca 312) I decided I needed to up my game for this year’s Mallorca 312 so as not to be left behind by a much higher quality group of fellow riders than I’m used to. 

So I turned to Andy Tomkins at Sportive Cycle Coaching. Having thoroughly researched my cycling history, motivations and shortcomings, he firstly carried out an in-depth bike fitting which has already improved my comfort and speed on the bike.

He then created a series of 5-week training plans designed to build up my performance in readiness for the event. These are individually tailored and constantly amended to take into account the ongoing feedback. There is considerable flexibility built in to the system which allows you to carry out the training outdoors or on the turbo trainer as fits the weather or your personal preference.

My cycling has already benefitted massively and I find it’s a real benefit to have a positive structure to hang on to and motivate me. His feedback is always positive and encouraging and I’ve learnt a lot already.

For anyone of any standard who wants to progress their cycling – or just get fitter – I’d highly recommend Andy.

Sarah G

Although I have been cycling for 6 years, I had never had a bike fitting until recently. I wish I had done this years ago as it’s already made a huge difference. As a cyclist, I like to go fast enough to keep up with the rest, but mainly, I like to go the distance, which is why comfort is so important.

Andy meticulously looked at every aspect of my cycling, using lasers, video equipment and specialist measuring tools (sorry can’t remember technical terms!) and made what seemed like very minor adjustments that have majorly helped my cycling posture and most of all, my comfort.

Andy took to time to understand me as a cyclist, explain everything clearly and didn’t stop until I was happy with the fit. Indeed, he is still in touch and checking whether the fit is standing up to the miles.

I would highly recommend Andy to anyone who feels discomfort when cycling or wants to understand how to successfully ride longer distances or sportives with minimal impact.​

Ian M

Andy has given me fantastic help with a bike fit to alleviate some knee pain I was getting after cycling. He took time to understand the problem and went through the bike fit with me explaining along the way the mechanics and measurements which identified the probable cause.

I now have options to try and Andy was happy to be on hand to follow up.

Great service.

Lee E

Thanks for the bike fit today Andy.

Really helpful & insightful.

Mark J

I have absolutely no doubt in Andy’s ability to attain the same exceptional level of success in his cycle coaching career as he had in his IT consulting one.  

Many of these skills are directly transferable between his time in our company performing at the highest level as an IT Consultant and Strategist.  Andy’s passion and enthusiasm for customer excellence is outstanding and his ability to blend good listening, discovery and assessment skills to capture the true requirements of his customer is exceptional.   

I have every confidence that those fortunate enough to be coached and guided by Andy will see the same results.